Fellowship on the Road and in the Word

April has been a full and meaningful month, and we’re grateful for many moments of growth, encouragement, and progress—both in ministry and family life. Some highlights from this month was the Simeon Trust Workshop in Kitwe, the Ushurika Preaching groups that have started, and the Spiritual Life Conference.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!“
Psalm 133:1

A road-trip to remember

At the start of the month, Michael was joined by his three mentees—Felix Mulenga, Paul Ngoma, and Rasford Zulu—for a road trip up to Kitwe for the Simeon Trust preaching workshop. This was his third time attending one of these workshops in Zambia, and each time he comes home excited and eager to put into practice what he’s learned. One of his favourite parts? The rich fellowship and deep conversations that happen during the long drives there and back. We’re thankful for opportunities like this that strengthen both skills and friendships. Read more about this in the blog he wrote about it.

Preaching workshop in Kitwe

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15

Ushurika—Fellowship in the Word

Following last month’s Langham Preaching training, seven small groups of pastors have begun meeting regularly to study the Bible together and grow in their preaching. These groups are called Ushurika, a Swahili word that means fellowship. Every other week, these pastors gather to study a passage, sharpen one another, and reflect on how to preach it faithfully. Michael has been invited to serve as the Ushurika Coordinator for Langham Preaching Zambia and is excited to walk alongside these pastors as they grow together in their skills of preaching the Word faithfully and meaningfully.

This was our first Usurika meeting after the Level 1 Training

An Emerging Leader

Michael has been training an apprentice, Paul Ngoma, over the past year. Paul has really grown in leaps and bounds as a leader at Christ Church Lusaka. Michael meets with Paul regularly each week to discuss what it takes to be a leader in the church. 

Paul has grown in his ability to prepare and preach sermons that are faithful to the text and relevant to the community. Please keep praying for Paul, that he continues to grow in his love for Jesus and for making Jesus known.

We hope to send Paul Ngoma for theological studies at George Whitefield College next year or the year after. Please pray that God will open doors and provide clear leading in this pursuit.

Michael and Paul Ngoma discussing Paul's recent sermon on John 3:14-21
Paul Ngoma preached faithfully and meaningfully from John 3 this past month.

An Adoption Milestone

We’re also celebrating a big step forward in our adoption journey—we finally received the long-awaited “Effective Date of Notice” letter from the Ministry of Social Services! This means the official 90-day countdown has begun before the adoption can be finalized. It’s been a long road to get here, and we’re so thankful for this next step. Please continue to pray with us: that the rest of the process would go smoothly, and that we’ll have patience and peace as we wait.

The next step in the process is to get a Supervision Order from the court. We have already made application for this and are waiting to hear from the judge.

Spiritual Life Conference

Our little family, together with other SIM missionaries, attended the annual SIM-Zambia Spiritual Life Conference. This gathering is something we always look forward to—a chance to be refreshed in the Word, to rest, and to reconnect with fellow missionaries from across Zambia. We’re so grateful for the space to breathe and be encouraged.

We have been strengthened in our vision and purpose as missionaries in Zambia. Our guest speaker, Dr. Joshua Bokunjoko, reminded us all of the key mission of SIM. His theme was: Convinced, Concerned, and Compelled in Community. We have come away from the SLC with a renewed vigour and conviction regarding our purpose as missionaries.

Michael led the opening session of SLC with a fun Ice-breaker.

Praise God For:

  • The Adoption Milestone of the Effective Date of Notice letter we have received.
  • The successful trip to Kitwe for the Simeon Trust Workshop.
  • The Langham Preaching Ushurika groups that have started in Lusaka.
  • Paul Ngoma’s growth as an apprentice and as a leader in Christ Church Lusaka.
  • The SLC that has invigorated us and refocussed our vision and purpose.

Pray For:

  • The next step in the adoption process: the Supervision Order which we are waiting for.
  • The leaders of Christ Church Lusaka to apply the lessons learned at the Simeon Trust Workshop.
  • The Langham Preaching Ushurika groups to be faithful in meeting and growing as preachers.
  • Paul Ngoma to continue to be teachable and to develop in his pastoral capacity.
  • Us to grow in our concern for those living in communities where people are living and dying without knowing Jesus.
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